A nurse is caring for an infant who is dehydrated and requires IV therapy. The nurse should monitor the infant's response to therapy by performing which of the following actions?
Taking the infant's vital signs every 2 hr
Counting the number of wet diapers every shift
Weighing the infant at the same time every day
Measuring the infant's head circumference twice per day
The Correct Answer is C
A. Taking the infant's vital signs every 2 hr: Monitoring vital signs every 2 hours can help assess the infant’s general condition and detect changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can indicate changes in hydration status. However, it might not be sufficient alone to monitor fluid status.
B. Counting the number of wet diapers every shift: Tracking the number of wet diapers is an effective way to monitor the infant's fluid output and hydration status. An increase in wet diapers typically indicates improved hydration. This is a practical and non-invasive method for assessing the effectiveness of IV therapy in infants.
C. Weighing the infant at the same time every day: Daily weights are a critical measure of fluid balance in infants. A consistent daily weight check provides a direct and accurate assessment of the infant’s hydration status and response to IV therapy.
D. Measuring the infant's head circumference twice per day: Measuring head circumference is not relevant for monitoring hydration status. It is typically used to assess growth and development in infants, not fluid balance or response to IV therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Determine if the toddler is voiding: Assessing urine output is crucial for determining the child’s hydration status. Voiding is an important indicator of kidney function and fluid balance. Ensuring the child is voiding can help determine the severity of dehydration and guide further interventions.
B. Request evaluation of the toddler's serum electrolytes. Evaluating serum electrolytes is important for understanding the extent of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. However, it is not the immediate first action and should follow the initial assessment of the child's hydration status.
C. Initiate isotonic fluids with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride. Initiating fluid therapy is crucial but should only be done after assessing kidney function through urine output and evaluating the need for potassium supplementation to avoid complications like hyperkalaemia if the kidneys are not functioning properly.
D. Collect a stool sample from the toddler. Collecting a stool sample is useful for diagnosing the cause of gastroenteritis, but it is not the immediate priority. The focus should first be on assessing hydration status and initiating appropriate fluid therapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Temporal: The temporal artery is not commonly used for pulse checks in infants as it can be difficult to palpate and may not provide an accurate heart rate.
B. Carotid: The carotid pulse is not recommended in infants due to the risk of compressing the airway or carotid artery, leading to decreased blood flow to the brain.
C. Apical: The apical pulse is the most reliable method for assessing heart rate in infants. It involves auscultating the heart directly at the chest, which provides the most accurate heart rate measurement.
D. Dorsalis pedis: This site is not typically used for pulse checks in infants as it can be difficult to locate and palpate accurately.
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